AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is also pleased to announce its intention to establish the JV as an AgustaWestland Authorized Training Centre. ADA/Mubadala will then provide training services using a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified AW139 Level D Full Flight Simulator (FFS) designed, developed and supplied by CAE and AgustaWestland. The JV is subject to any required antitrust and other regulatory approvals. Offshore operators will benefit from specific mission training services once the Authorized Training Centre achieves operational readiness.
Bruno Spagnolini, Chief Executive Officer, AgustaWestland said “This latest announcement continues AgustaWestland’s strategy to expand its worldwide network of Authorised Training Centres to deliver high quality training services to our growing number of customers. The Middle East region is an important market for AgustaWestland and particularly the AW139 helicopter, so we are very pleased to be partnering with ADA/Mubadala who will be able to provide AW139 type conversion, recurrent and operational role training to operators across the region.” Abu Dhabi Aviation is the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East with a fleet that includes 16 AW139 helicopters. The bulk of the company's business activity is in support of Abu Dhabi offshore oil and engineering and construction companies. Other business activities include medical evacuation, survey, photography and charter.